Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
A federal appeals court has ruled that a pre-employment strength test administered to applicants for jobs at Dial Corporation’s Armour Star sausage-making plant in Fort Madison, Iowa, discriminated against women. The decision upholds a lower court ruling last year ordering Dial to pay $3 million to a group of women who were rejected for hire […]
Wells Fargo & Co. has agreed to pay $12.8 million to settle a class action lawsuit charging that the bank improperly classified certain business-systems employees in California and other states as exempt from overtime, in violation of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The suit, filed in federal court in San Francisco, alleged that Wells […]
We’re a small office—14 employees. How often do we have to do sexual harassment training?
I’ve been tasked with the rewrite of our employee handbook. Can you tell me what the current thinking is on disclaimers? What are the key topics I should focus on as I do this rewrite? — Tom T., Manager of Staffing and Development, Modesto
The IRS has increased the standard mileage rate commonly used to reimburse employees for business use of a car to 48.5 cents per mile, up from 44.5 cents in 2006. The new rate will apply to miles driven beginning January 1, 2007. Employers who use the IRS standard mileage rate to reimburse employees may deduct […]
I’ve been summoned to give a deposition related to a lawsuit filed against our company. What tips do you have to help me to prepare? — Sharon, HR Manager in West Sacramento
I need some help with creating a plan for coping with a possible avian flu epidemic. My boss wants a concrete plan—she thinks our operations could be hit hard if the flu comes. A few issues back you gave us a website for avian flu information, which I’ve visited. But now, can you give some […]
A new law aimed at construction safety will make it harder for a contractor whose license has been revoked to simply turn around and work under the license of another business. The law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2007.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that United Parcel Service (UPS) violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by maintaining a qualification standard that screened out deaf drivers, where the company could not show that the standard was required for business reasons.
Beginning in April 2007, California HR professionals will have the opportunity to earn a California-specific HR certification, the first of its kind.